Taking clinical photographs by myself for the first time made me dearly miss my colleagues who are now professors and/or presidents at various medical clinics. Photographs are important and all the more useful as they can be archived. Upon celebrating the third anniversary of my medical clinic in Dogok-dong, I could not help but feel that I was starting the next chapter of my new life. In retrospect, I have worked with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation over the past 3 years. Over time, lasers have become auxiliary treatment measures and IPL has become the primary choice for facial cosmetic/pigmentary treatments; at least this was the case for my private practice in Seoul. With the release of this book, I feel that my treatment records are finally organized and that my documents are consolidated as my own lasting memories.
IPL treatments tend to work well for those with pale skin complexions i.e. Caucasians. Treatments applied on Korean complexions, however, tend to display a wide range of side effects but the end results are much more effective. In general, darker skin applications yield more visible outcomes and noticeable brightening. Side effects are the only caveat…so how can they be avoided? I still vividly remember what my driving instructor said when I began taking lessons behind the wheel: “A good driver is not one who drives fast but one who knows when to stop.”
Similarly, it is important to use discretion when using IPL, as treatments in excess can produce undesirable outcomes. This book discusses how side effects are generated and cause certain results, and how to handle them. The purpose of this book is to visually present this material so that the reader can obtain information on side effects without actually experiencing them. IPL has been around for more than 15 years and is a helpful tool that will be used more in the future. It delivers visible and immediate results for greater satisfaction. It is sure to become an essential device for most private practitioners as much as CO2 laser devices.
I would like to thank President Kwang Jae Lee and his staff at Hanmi Medical Publishers. Without his effort and dedication, the second edition of this book would not have been the same. I would also like to thank my wife who teaches me the value of family everyday. I am also grateful for my patients; they are precious to me as they allow me to realize the meaning of my existence as a dermatologist. Professor Sungnack Lee taught me the value of knowledge for which I am thankful. Finally, a mention of gratitude to Ms. Bo Kyung Shin for helping me by my side for the past 3 years.
This book contains my knowledge and experiences related to the side effects of IPL, the enjoyment of successful results, and contemplation of IPL principles